Meant To Be

In the morning, Bora woke up feeling energized. She was all smiles after her dreams, but anxiety soon took over. What if Siyeon didn’t accept her apology? What if she said she hated Bora after what she said? It was making Bora extremely nervous, but she refused to back down. She made a mistake and needed to apologize.

Bora quickly went to school and waited for the two girls to arrive when she felt a light tap on her shoulder. When she turned around, she saw a tall, lean boy with braces that was smiling at her brightly. He was one of her admirers and held a handpicked bouquet.

“will you accept my feelings?” the boy stuttered nervously. His cheeks flushed pink, and his friends waited behind him nervously. She recognized them. They were part of the boys' dance club, so they knew Bora a bit, but Bora felt bad for the boy.

He was cute. He was also tall and had that cute boy image, but she just wasn’t interested in him at all. In any guy, really. She was too focused on her grades and dancing, so boys never made it high on the list.

With an apologetic smile, she politely turned him down, and soon his friends surrounded him with comforting words as they led him away. She felt bad, but she truly wasn’t interested. She didn’t just want to agree to it just so that his feelings wouldn’t get hurt.

But that boy wasn’t what was on her mind right now. That was Siyeon, and she just spotted the girl walking up the road with her sister.

Gahyeon looked up and noticed the older girl waiting by the school gates nervously and smiled. She could guess that Bora was waiting for Siyeon and quickly made up an excuse that she needed to go to the college campus for one of her advanced classes and quickly scurried off, leaving Siyeon standing there awkwardly. It got even worse when Siyeon looked up and locked eyes with Bora.

Siyeon quickly looked down and went to rush by the smaller girl with an apology when she felt a tiny hand gently grasp her wrist.

“um… Siyeon? Can we talk for a moment?” Bora asked. She felt sick to her stomach. She was suddenly so nervous though she had no idea why, and when Siyeon looked up at her briefly, her heart thudded in her chest. What was this effect that Siyeon had on her?

“about yesterday… I…” Siyeon was nervous and couldn’t get the words out. It didn’t help that an extremely pretty girl was still holding Siyeon’s wrist too.

“I know… I jumped to conclusions, and for a second, I believed the rumors even though I know they aren’t true. I just wanted to apologize. I behaved like an ass, and I'm sorry…” Bora said, and this time it was her time to go shy.

Siyeon looked up in shock as Bora looked down at the ground. She seemed to be waiting for something. It was like she expected Siyeon to curse her or something, but instead, she was just speechless.

“I, um… I don’t know what to say…” Siyeon said nervously as Bora slowly looked up. Siyeon’s cheeks were flushed a light shade of pink, and she looked like she wanted to do something with her hands out of nervousness.

“I know I behaved horribly, and I'm sorry. I can understand if you don’t forgive me, I just wanted to apologize…” Bora said as she looked at the ground again. She didn’t want to look into Siyeon’s eyes and see hate or disgust though she felt like she deserved it.

“Bora, I don’t hate you…” Siyeon whispered softly as Bora looked up in shock. Siyeon seemed nervous, but she didn’t look like she was lying.

“Seriously?” Bora asked as Siyeon nodded while looking away.

“then why don’t you look at me?” Bora asked as Siyeon’s face flushed even redder.

“because you make me nervous…” Siyeon said as Bora looked at her with a confused expression. She didn’t know what Siyeon meant, but she was just so happy that Siyeon didn’t hate her. The issue was that the blinding smile that Bora was wearing only made Siyeon even more nervous.

“um… my wrist…” Siyeon mumbled. It took Bora a second for her to realize that she was still holding Siyeon’s wrist, and quickly Bora dropped it with an apology, but both girls missed the contact almost instantly though they wouldn’t admit it.

“sorry…” Bora said softly before smiling at Siyeon. The quiet girl didn’t know what to think when Bora smiled once more at Siyeon.

“if anyone is giving you problems, let me know. And if you ever want to talk, I will always be here. I know it must be hard with all of those false rumors going around.” Bora said as Siyeon looked at her in shock.

Anxiety washed over Bora. Did she say something wrong? Did she make a mistake? She wasn’t sure, but her heart was pounding, and when Siyeon suddenly smiled and nodded shyly, Bora thought her heart was about to burst.

Quickly she waved goodbye and ran to try to catch the teacher that was over her dance club. She tried to convince herself that she wasn’t fleeing from Siyeon, but she knew that she was lying to herself.

Bora was just so confused. Why did she feel so excited and anxious around Siyeon? Bora was starting to realize the answer but shook it off. There was no way, right? She had never been interested in ANYONE. Male or female. But here she was feeling her heart pounding and her palms sweating from nerves.

Bora was supposed to focus on her studies, but here she was just thinking of Siyeon. And though she was trying to deny what she felt, images of Siyeon continued to pop into her head, and every time that happened, Bora smiled brightly.

“what's making you so happy?” Minji asked with a smile. She was in a very good mood like always and gave Bora her classic smile.

“I just talked to Siyeon… Minji, can I ask you something?” Bora asked, and judging from Bora’s serious yet confused tone, Minji could tell that whatever Bora was going to ask, it was serious.

“sure. Want to go to our regular place?” Minji asked as Bora nodded with a relieved expression. They had a special hang out in the library. Not many used it, and they had a favorite corner that they would usually hang out when they were trying to flee from their admirers.

Once they were in the library, Minji noticed Bora relax slightly, but clearly, whatever she was thinking about was confusing her greatly.

“well?” Minji asked as Bora sighed nervously.

“um… you promise you won't stop being friends with me or hate me?” Bora asked as Minji laughed.

“Bora, the only way I would hate you is if you tried to kill me or something. We have been best friends for forever. You can tell me anything.” Minji said as Bora swallowed nervously and took a shaky breath. Where to begin?

“um, well… I talked to Siyeon, but I felt odd…” Bora said as Minji smiled. She could see where Bora was going and honestly thought that the shorter girl would have noticed this a long time ago but listened until Bora was finished.

“My heart was pounding, and my palms were sweating. But I'm not sure if it was just because I needed to apologize to her, but I swear my heart did flips when she smiled at me… Minji, what if I'm gay? I mean, I have never been interested in guys before, but I thought that It was just because I was busy and just didn’t have time, but now I'm starting to wonder…” Bora said as she looked down.

“what's wrong with being gay?” Minji asked as she looked at her friend with curiosity.

“Nothing is wrong with it, but I have no idea if I really am or not. And if I am, what do I do? What if she doesn’t like me like that?” Bora asked as Minji smiled and wrapped her arms around her friend.

“Bora. If you are gay, then you are gay. I am!” Minji said as Bora looked at her in shock. Minji had never mentioned people she had a crush on or anything like that, but she did always turn down people that asked her out just like Bora, but when the shorter girl thought about it, Minji was always much nicer to the girls than the boys.

“you are? Why didn’t you tell me?” Bora asked as Minji smiled and just shrugged.

“I just didn’t feel it was the right time yet. Also, I have noticed how you always watch Siyeon. It has been like that for at least a year now. Why don’t you talk to her? You don’t have to go into it thinking about dating her. Just try to get to know her better. Then you will probably understand your feelings a bit better.” Minji said as Bora nodded.

“But wait… are you dating anyone?” Bora asked as Minji nodded and smiled shyly.

“yes. She doesn’t go to this school but lives near my house. Every day she would create excuses to walk with me, and finally, I asked her out. It was so cute watching her panic, but in the end, she said yes.” Minji said as she pulled out her phone and showed a picture.

It showed a tall girl with a beautiful smile who had her arms around Minji. They were looking at each other with such a look of adoration that Bora could tell that they were in love. This wasn’t just some fling to Minji, and Bora could feel that.

“what's her name?” Bora asked as Minji smiled happily.

“Kim Yoohyeon. She is in a grade below ours and is clumsy yet cute. She’s just like a puppy.” Minji said. She was all smiles as she looked at the photo.

“you two look cute together!” Bora said happily as Minji smiled.

“I wasn’t trying to keep anything from you. It just seemed like you had a lot on your plate with your deal with your father, so I waited, but I wasn’t sure when would be a good time. I guess I missed the proper timing.” Minji said with a laugh.

It was a relief to know she might not be the only one, and Minji really did look adorable with her girlfriend. Bora didn’t get to think more about it, though, because class was about to start.

-Siyeon-

Siyeon fled to a safe spot after speaking to Bora. Her heart was pounding, and when Bora grabbed her wrist, Siyeon half expected to burst into flames with how hot her face got.

Siyeon felt hope rising in her chest, but she crushed it quickly. Bora was just apologizing because she felt guilty, nothing more. Siyeon didn’t want to get her hopes up. She knew that she stood no chance.

Bora is one if not THE most popular girl in school. Both guys and girls threw themselves at Bora, but she always rejected them. If she turned everyone down so far, then a shy loner would have absolutely no chance to win her heart.

Siyeon was truly her own worst enemy. She convinced herself that Bora was only being nice and that her friendly offer was only out of pity, but she would soon find out that she was very mistaken. Bora was indeed serious.

Class was about to start, so Siyeon quickly headed to class only to see Bora sitting in her seat and smiling at Siyeon as the quiet girl quickly walked to her seat and flopped down. Siyeon was sure her face was bright red from the way Bora was smiling at her.

Bora’s smile was so beautiful and perfect that it was making Siyeon’s heart beat erratically. She had thought today would suck when she missed the girl with the motorcycle this morning only to see Bora waiting for her by the gate, but surprisingly her way was taking a turn for the better.

That feeling changed when some boys acted up in class and had the teacher announce that she would change the seating arrangements. Siyeon liked her spot in the back though she had a difficult time seeing the board.

Luckily Siyeon’s seat stayed the same, but Bora was now right beside her while Minji was on the shorter girl's other side. Bora couldn’t be happier, but Siyeon felt sick to her stomach. How could she sit next to her crush? Siyeon feared that she would embarrass herself at any second.

Siyeon felt like her heart would race out of her chest when Bora smiled at her as she sat at her new desk. And it only got worse. Siyeon never noticed how much Bora looked at her until she sat beside her.

Minji could tell that Siyeon might have a stroke at this rate and decided to distract Bora from her admiring of the shy girl beside her.

Minji distracted Bora by talking about her plans for dance practice today. It worked, and Siyeon out a soft sigh of relief as she looked at Minji, But was startled to see Minji wink at her before turning her attention back to her friend.

Once lunch came around, Bora turned her attention back to Siyeon. The quiet girl was checking her phone with a frown. Gahyeon was going to be a couple of minutes late for lunch, which wasn’t a problem. The problem was that Gahyeon had to stay over after school. That meant Siyeon would have to walk home alone today.

Bora saw Siyeon’s frown and started to worry. She could tell that something was wrong but want sure if she should ask her or not. Bora didn’t want to push her too much too soon.

Minji could see Bora was struggling internally and tried to think of something to help. Bora looked completely lost, and it was time for Minji to step in and help.

“Siyeon? are you going to the cafeteria?” Minji asked as Siyeon looked up in shock. She had never been talked to so much in one day.

“um, no. I'm supposed to meet my sister, but she's running late. She said she would come to me…” Siyeon said as she saw Minji’s eyes light up.

“oh! Is that the little cutie that you always walk with?” Minji asked as Siyeon smiled. Gahyeon was the best topic to bring up obviously. It seemed so because Siyeon started to talk more comfortably with the two.

“I wish I had a sister that cute! I would spoil her rotten!” Minji said with a cute smile as Siyeon laughed. She understood that feeling completely.

“me too… I'm an only child. Can I rent her?” Bora joked as Siyeon smiled. Every time they made Siyeon smile, Bora’s heart did a backflip in her chest. She was really falling hard for Siyeon, and she knew it.

“Can you afford me? My little sister rental fees are quite high.” Gahyeon joked as she entered the room. She was smiling as she watched the two girls talking to her sister.

“so cute!” Minji said as she stood and hugged Gahyeon. The younger girl just laughed and hugged Minji back. Unlike Siyeon, Gahyeon had no problems with touching or showing affection.

“aww! And she gives the best hugs too!” Minji said as Siyeon nodded.

“Gahyeon’s hugs really are the best…” Siyeon said softly, but Bora didn’t miss the tenderness of it. The two were obviously very close, even for sisters.

“Siyeon, are you going to be ok walking home alone after school?” Gahyeon asked, and soon Minji and Bora looked at the quiet girl. She had their complete attention.

Gahyeon wasn’t the only one that started to worry. So did Bora. When she found out that Siyeon would be walking home alone, she suddenly started to worry. All of those strange boys that watched her on her way home was the only thing that popped into Bora’s head. She had a feeling that this could end badly.

Before Bora could say anything, though, Gahyeon dragged her sister out of the room to make sure that her sister would eat. Once the two were out of sight, Minji did the same thing to Bora.

Bora didn’t bother protesting. She knew that she needed to eat so that she would have the energy she needs for dance practice. But when she got close to the cafeteria, she recognized someone.

The short-haired girl that yelled at Bora the day before was on her way to the cafeteria when she noticed Bora as well. The expression of dislike made Bora’s stomach drop. She had to explain that she apologized.

“Minji, one second. Um… Dami, right?” Bora asked as the younger girl nodded curtly. It was clear that she was still upset about what Bora said to Siyeon.

“look… I know Siyeon isn’t really like that. I know that they are just rumors, and I was an idiot to believe them for even a second.  I apologized to Siyeon this morning…” Bora said as she watched the girl's expression soften slightly.

“you did? Why would such a popular girl apologize?” Dami asked as she looked at Bora with a look of suspicion. Bora was blushing for some reason, and Dami couldn’t help but wonder why.

“because it was the right thing to do. Oh, does she sing in that room every day?” Bora asked as Dami looked even more puzzled.

“yes… why?” Dami asked. Something felt off. She hoped that Bora wasn’t a stalker that she just gave Siyeon’s schedule to.

“a teacher mentioned that some local thugs have been lurking near the school. I'm worried they are looking for Siyeon due to all the rumors…” Bora said as Dami’s eyes widened.

“wait… what? Thugs, how? What did they look like?” Dami asked as Bora explained what she saw the day before. As she explained everything, Dami started looking more and more troubled.

“I will call my uncle and have him look into it…” Dami said as Bora relaxed a bit.

“oh, is he a cop?” Bora asked as Dami grinned.

“don’t worry. He's more than capable of finding out more about this…” Dami said as she changed the topic. They should be focusing on Siyeon’s safety and not her uncle right now.

Minji was listening to everything quietly and wasn’t liking what she heard. From what she knew of Siyeon, though it was very little, she knew that the quiet girl didn’t deserve this.

Dami wandered off to make a call as Minji grabbed Bora’s arm with an expression of worry. Bora could tell that she was worried about Siyeon. That is the kind of person Minji is, after all. It didn’t matter if they had been a friend for five seconds or five years. Minji wanted to help protect Siyeon somehow.

“Bora, I will help run the dance practice today so that you can leave a bit early. I'm worried that these guys will take the opportunity and do something if they see her alone…” Minji said as Bora smiled gratefully. She was worried about that too. She knew she could rely on Minji.

“thank you. Right now, though, let's grab something to eat. If I have to fight off thugs, I will need my energy!” Bora shouted loudly as Minji laughed and led Bora into the cafeteria.

Sadly, they didn’t get much time to eat from talking too much, so vending machines were their best friends today. They were lucky that they have vending machines around the school that had various food items other than snacks.

Once they made it back to class, they noticed that Siyeon was already sitting and squinting at the board. It looked to others like she was glaring, but besides Siyeon Bora and Minji, there was no one in the room. The two were now starting to understand how those rumors got started.

Siyeon looked fierce with her intense eyes, but she was struggling. Without thinking, Bora walked over to Siyeon, and politely got her attention.

Siyeon looked up, slightly shocked. She still wasn’t used to people willingly talking to her and met Bora’s eyes. They were full of kindness, and Siyeon’s mind had a temporary short circuit. She just froze there, staring into Bora’s eyes.

“isn't it a bit difficult to see the board from here?” Bora asked as Siyeon frowned and nodded.

“yes. But I guess I would rather be in the back than closer…” Siyeon said softly. Bora could tell that there was a sadness to the comment.

“do you have bad eyesight?” Bora asked as Siyeon blushed and nodded. There was no reason to lie. She just hoped that Bora wouldn’t tease her for it.

“why not get glasses?” Bora asked as Siyeon frowned.

“I have some. But I look like a complete nerd. Right now, they avoid me because they think I'm mean, but if they see those glasses, I will just be made fun of…” Siyeon said as Bora nodded. She could understand the worry.

“my girlfriend has bad eyesight too. She just wears contacts.” Minji said, startling Siyeon with how casually Minji talked about having a girlfriend.

“huh?” was the only thing Siyeon could get to come out of her mouth. She was still so shocked at Minji’s casualness.

“Yoohyeon ended up having to get contacts. She's tall but a bit nerdy at times and didn’t want to be picked on, so she ended up getting contacts. She wears her glasses when it’s just us, though. I find them really cute!” Minji said happily as she thought of her girlfriend.

Both Siyeon and Bora smiled at the lovestruck girl. Minji was clearly in love, and her smile was blinding like the sun. Her confession also helped ease the tension Siyeon had a bit.

“I don’t think I can wear contacts. The thought of putting something in my eye kind of freaks me out…” Siyeon said as Bora nodded. She could understand that.

“well, how about this… you can use my notes whenever you need them. That way, you don’t have to worry about struggling to read and write things down. Sound good?” Bora asked as Siyeon’s eyes went wide.

Everyone wanted to borrow Bora’s notes. She was the top of their class, but besides Minji, she never let anyone use them.

“huh? Seriously?” Siyeon said. She was in shock at the offer and didn’t know what to say. She never thought that Bora would ever talk to her, and now she was offering to share her notes?

Bora nodded as she pulled out her notebook from the previous class and showed it to her. They were perfect and so easy to understand. Siyeon could see why Bora was a top student.

“you must be extremely smart…” Siyeon said as Bora laughed.

“nope! Not at all! I have to study way more than I should to make something stick.” Bora said as Minji nodded.

“if I didn’t teach her my method for taking notes, she would probably be known as the school's idiot!” Minji joked as Bora gasped and acted wounded emotionally.

Siyeon smiled genuinely as Bora smiled at her like a lovestruck puppy. Siyeon’s eyes turned into little crescents when she smiled, and it made Bora’s heart ache at the cuteness. She was quickly learning that she would do anything to protect the smiling girl in front of her. Siyeon didn’t know it, but she had already won Bora’s heart without even trying.

Bora was also true to her words. When class was over for the day, Bora handed Siyeon a copy of the day's notes. Siyeon didn’t know what to say but smiled gratefully. She was still hesitant to trust someone, but she was slowly warming up to Bora and her smiling friend.